Louis Theroux: Fundamentalist Christianity (2007)

Louis Theroux: Fundamentalist Christianity is a documentary that was part of the BBC’s series featuring Louis Theroux. In this 2007 film, Theroux explores the world of fundamentalist Christianity in the United States.

The documentary is known for its exploration of the Westboro Baptist Church, an organization led by Fred Phelps, located in Topeka, Kansas.

The church members hold strong beliefs that the United States government is immoral due to its tolerance of homosexuality.

They are also known for their protests at funerals of U.S. military personnel, displaying signs with messages such as “God Hates Fags” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.”

Theroux spends time with members of the church, interviewing key figures including Fred Phelps and Shirley Phelps-Roper to understand their perspectives.

The documentary first aired on BBC Two in the United Kingdom in April 2007 and was a ratings success. It was later broadcast in Australia and on other networks, reaching a wide audience.

The film received positive reviews for its insightful look into the church and was noted for Theroux’s interviewing style, which effectively showcased the extreme views of the members.

This documentary is part of a trilogy that Louis Theroux created about the Westboro Baptist Church, with follow-up films released in 2011 and 2019. These films provide a deeper understanding of the church’s evolution and its impact on both its members and the broader society.